Disposal

Tate & Lyle PLC
16 February 2001



Tate & Lyle PLC - Agreement to sell share in Zambia Sugar Plc

Tate & Lyle PLC announced on 16 February 2001 that it has agreed, subject to
the completion of satisfactory due diligence and approval by the Securities
and Exchange Commission of Zambia and the Zambian Competition Commission, to
sell its 50.87% share in Zambia Sugar Plc for US$11.4 million (£7.9 million)
to Illovo Sugar Limited ('Illovo'). The sale proceeds will be used to pay down
Group debt.  

Following completion of the sale, Illovo will extend an equivalent offer to
all other shareholders of Zambia Sugar Plc.  An announcement confirming the
results of Illovo's due diligence will be made in approximately two weeks. The
price remains subject to due diligence review.

Larry Pillard, Chief Executive Tate & Lyle PLC said:

'This  transaction is another step in our objective to exit those businesses
that we cannot successfully develop further to enable us to build our value
added product portfolio.'


For further information please contact:

Mark Robinson        + 44 (0) 20 7626 6525 
Chris Fox            + 44 (0) 20 7626 6525 (Press)